Vestibule.



PATENTBD MAY 2, 1905.

T. A. RYAN.

VESTIBULE.

APPLICATION I'ILED AUG.17, 1904.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

*NiTED STATES Patented. May 2, 1905.

THOMAS A. RYAN, OF YONKERS, NEW YORK.

VESTIBULE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 788,948, dated May 2, 1905.

Application filed August 17, 1904. Serial No. 221,029-

l'o CZ/ZZ whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, THOMAS A. RYAN, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Yonkers, in the county of Westchester and State of New York, have invented a new and Improved Vestibule, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description.

My invention relates to vestibules for the fronts of vehicles, it being particularly convenient for use in connection with electric cars. Its principal objects are to provide such a structure which may be readily folded out of the way when not needed and yet will furnish an efi ective closure when in use.

Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, in which similar characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in all the figures.

Figure 1 is a broken perspective view looking from the rear and showing one embodiment of my invention applied to the platform of an electric car. Fig. 2 is a horizontal section therethrough. Fig. 3 is a central vertical longitudinal section. Fig. 4 is a similar view showing the vestibule folded. Fig. 5 is a horizontal sectional detail through the rear sections. Fig. 6 is a detail, parts being broken away, of the brace for the rear sections. Fig. 7 shows in side elevation one of the supporting-arms for the side curtains. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of one of the hangers. Fig. 9 is a horizontal sectional detail through a clamp for the side sections, showing more closely associated elements. Fig. 10 shows the same elements in side elevation. Fig. 11 is a perspective view of one of the attachingarms for the flexible portion of the front sections, and Fig. 12 is a similar view of one of the attaching-clips for said flexible portion.

The letterA designates a portion of the platform of a car, it being covered by the usual overhang or hood B, which is supported by posts 0. The usual dashboard E extends between said posts. Mounted beneath the hood is a frame F, here shown as consisting of a rear wall 10 and opposite side walls 11 11, in which are grooves or ways 12. In each of these ways slides a carrier, consisting of a bar having an inner section 13, to which is pivoted an outer section 14:. Upon the ends of the ways and the outer ends of the sections 13 are cooperating shoulders 15, which limit the movement of the latter. Beyond these shoulders are inclined faces 16, upon which the sections 14 may rest, they being supported thereby in the inclined position illustrated in Fig. 3. At the inner side of the outer extremity of each of the sections 14 is a pin or projection 17, about which is pivoted a front section 18 of the closure. This may conveniently be in the form of a wooden frame having a movable panel 19 hinged to it at 20. The panel is preferably provided with a pane of glass or other transparent material. At each side of this rigid front section are hinges 21, securing thereto side sections 22 22, each of which may have a transparent insert. These sections when extended, as is best shown in Fig. 2, approximate the contour of the dashboard and are separated therefrom by a space suflicient for the operation of the brake-handle. To the outer edge of each of the side sections a connecting-section 23 is secured by hinges 24. These sections are preferably in two portions having inclined contact-faces 24 lying at such an angle that the outer faces of the sections are parallel to one another. The portions are shown as adjustably secured together by bolts 25, extending through horizontal slots 26. This adjustment enables the width of the connecting-sections to be varied and adapts the device for application to cars of different sizes. These sections 23, as illustrated, are secured to the posts of the car by means of clamps which are shown as each comprising a base 27, fixed to the inner portion and having pivoted upon it an angle-lever 28, which moves over a notched bar 29. The inner end of this lever has pivoted upon it a plate 30, in which is a slot 31 for engage ment by a hook 32, carried by a strap 33. This strap is attached to the outer side of the section by a securing plate 34, it passing through slots 35 therein and being engaged by projections 36 upon the inner face of the plate, which bind it against the section. With the inner ends of the sections 23 adjusted into contact with the posts the straps are passed about said posts and their hooks brought into engagement with the plate-openings, whereupon the levers may be forced down to exert a tension upon the straps, they being locked in place by engagement with the notches. will be seen that the lengths of the straps may be varied, if desired, by slightly loosening the plates 34 and moving said straps therethrough in one direction or the other. Joining the edge of the hood with the upper edges of the front, side, and connecting-sections is a coversection 37, preferably of some such flexible material as canvas. Through this cover-section is shown an opening to permit the passage of the trolley-cord, and a flap 37 is provided to close this opening. Attached to the lower edges of the front and side sections is a depending section, preferably of flexible material, having when in its active position a vertical portion 38 and a horizontal portion 39. The latter is shown as provided with arms 40, which may be attached to the flexible material through openings 41 in the arms, said arms having angular end portions 42, in which are keyhole-openings 43 to receive headed projections carried upon the outer face of the dashboard. Secured to the inner edge of the portion 39 are clips 44 for engagement with the upper edge of the dashboard. The depending sections 38 and 39 may be stayed by wires or other flexible members 44, which join the ends of the arms with one another and with the section 18 at its outer corners. If desired, the portion 39 may be provided with an opening covered by a panel 44, sliding in ways 44, this allowing the driver to use a switch-stick without leaving the platform.

Moving in the Ways in the frame is a transverse supporting-bar 45, from the inner side of which project brackets 45 to support a rear section. This is illustrated as consisting of two portions 46 46, each of which is hinged at 47 to one of the brackets, the sections also being hinged together at 48, they having a pivotal connection with the hinges 47 to permit this. Each of the sections may have a transparent portion which may be closed by a panel 49, sliding in ways-50. A catch 50, conveniently consisting of a pivoted hook and a pin, may serve to hold these two sections in alinement with one another when the device is to be folded. At the outer lower portion of each section 46 is a brace 51, preferably consisting of telescoping sections, the upper of which is pivoted to each vestibule-section at 52, while the outer extremity of the lower engages a socket 53, formed in the car-platform. Projecting from the upper end of each of these braces is an angular arm 54, with which a latch 55 may contact to retain the brace in a vertical position, as is illustrated in Fig. 3.

Hinged at 56 near the upper outer corner of each of the sections 46 is a supporting-arm 57, preferably formed in telescoping sections to permit an adjustment for length, this, as well as the similar adjustment of the support 51, adapting the vestibule for use in connec tion with cars of varying sizes. Each supporting-arm has at its outer extremity a squared portion 58, which may be received by an opening 59 in a retaining member 60. Each retaining member is shown as partially embracing one of the posts and supported upon a hanger 61, fixed to the inner edge of the hood, it being adjustable thereon by means of a series of openings 62, through one of which and an opening in the retaining memher as ecuring-bolt may be passed. This also accommodates the device to cars of different sizes. Each of the arms 57 may also be supported by a tongue 61, projecting from the frame F and engaging an opening 61 near the hinge. Secured along each of the arms and along the outer and lower edges of the sections 46 is a side and rear curtain 62, of canvas or other flexible material. Adjacent to the outer end of each of the arms 57 a plate 63 is fixed to the curtain and has in it a slot to receive an angular projection 64 from the hanger 61. Below this plate straps 65, having associated buckles, are secured to the edges of the curtains for engagement with loops 66, projecting from the bases 27 of the clamps. Below these straps the edges of the curtains may carry clips 67 to coact with the side of the dashboard, as do the clips 44.

Through the central lower portion of the hinged frame of the front section preferably extends a shaft 68, having at its innerend a crank-handle 69. To the outer end of this shaft is fixed an arm 70, which has supported upon it a suitable cleaning member or brush 71. This may be adjustably held in contact with the window of the section by means of a screw 72, threaded through the arm and having its point contacting and traveling over a sector 7 3, fixed tcrthe frame at each side of the shaft. By turning the crank the driver may readily remove frost or moisture from the glass, and when not in use this cleaning member may be supported by a socket 74, mounted upon one side of the frame.

It is thought that from the previous description the relations between the elements of my improved vestibule andv the manner of supporting and connecting them when in use will be apparent without further description. It will be seen that when in place a complete inclosure will be furnished for the driver Without impeding his movements or without sensibly interfering with the ingress and egress of passenger-s through the adjacent car door. This latter movement will be facilitated by the inclined position of the rear sections, which, while giving the maximum amount of effective space within the vestibule, leaves at each side suflicient passage to the door.

When it is not desired to use the vestibule in its lowered position, the clips of the flexible portion of the front or forward sections may be detached from the dashboard, the

straps of the side curtains released from the clam p, the clamp-straps themselves freed, and the ends of the horizontal arms separated from the dashboard. The side sections may then be folded over upon the front sections, the shaft and crank of the cleaner extending between their edges, the connectingsections turned back upon the side sections, and the flexible portion folded over them. This may then be swung about the projections from the ends of the carriers and these latter members run back in the ways, bringing this portion of the structure within the frame. The brace of the rear section may then be raised into a horizontal position and there latched, the curtain -supporting arms disengaged from the sockets into which they project and turned in upon the rear sections, said sections being locked in the same plane by the hook and pins In moving both the arms and brace into their positions over the alined rear sections itwill be evident that they may be telescoped to reduce their lengths to the necessary limits. These operations bring the side curtains across the rear sections, and then the lower portions of the curtains may be folded across the sections, whereupon these elements may be turned into a horizontal plane, covering the front sections and associated elements, and the whole there locked by catches 74c, pivoted at each side of the frame. The slides may finally be drawn across the glass panels to prevent their being broken, and the folding operation is completed. This position of the vestibule restores the car-platform to its normal condition.

It should be noted that the adjustments in the various elements adapt my improved vestibule to be readily applied to vehicles of different sizes without requiring any alteration of the latter.

It will be obvious that, if desirable, the front and side sections may be used alone in their lowered position, the rear sections being raised, thus leaving the platform entirely clear.

Having thus described my invention, 1 claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent- 1. The combination with a vehicle having a hood, of a frame supported beneath the hood, carriers mounted upon the frame, and vestibule-sections pivoted upon the carriers.

2. The combination with a vehicle, of a frame, carriers mounted upon the frame, front vestibule-sections pivoted upon the carriers, and side sections hinged to the front sections.

3. The combination with a vehicle, of a frame, carriers mounted upon the frame, front vestibule-sections pivoted upon the carriers, side sections hinged to the front sections, and a portion connecting both the front and side sections with the vehicle adjacent to the frame.

4. The combination with a vehicle, of a frame, carriers mounted upon the frame, front vestibule-sections pivoted upon the carriers,

side sections hinged to the front sections, and a lower section depending from the front and side sections.

5. The combination with a vehicle, of a frame, carriers mounted to slide in the frame and having hinged end portions, means for supporting said end portions in an inclined position outside the. frame, and hinged vestibule-sections dependingfrom the end portions.

6. A vestibule comprising a frame having side walls, and sections hinged to one another to fit within the frame and being connected with the side walls.

7. A vestibule comprising a frame, sections hinged to one another to fit within the frame, and a cover for the frame.

8. A vestibule comprising a frame, sections lfinged to one another to fit within the frame, and a cover for the frame comprising hinged sections.

9. A vestibule comprising a frame, sections hinged to one another to fit within the frame, a bar movable within the frame, and a coversection carried by the bar.

10. A vestibule comprising a'frame, sections hinged to one another to fit within the frame, a bar movable within the frame, and a cover-section pivoted upon the bar.

11. The combination with a vehicle, of carriers mounted thereon, front vestibule-sections pivoted upon the carriers, and sidesections hinged to the front sections.

12. The combination with a vehicle, of carriers mounted thereon, front vestibule-sections pivoted upon the carriers, side sections hinged to the front sections, and a portion connecting both the front and side sections with the vehicle.

13. The combination with a Vehicle-platform having a hood and a dashboard, of a vestibule comprising rigid folding sections supported upon the hood, flexible material depending from the sections, and arms fixed to the flexible material and separably secured to the dashboard.

14. The combination with a vehicle-platform having a hood and a dashboard, of a vestibule comprising rigid folding sections supported upon the hood, flexible material depending from the sections, arms fixed to the flexible material and separably secured to the dashboard, and stays connecting the sections and arms.

15. The combination with a vehicle-platform having a hood and a dashboard, of a vestibule comprising rigid folding sections sup ported upon the hood, flexible material depending from the sections, arms fixed to the flexible material and separably secured to the dashboard, and means for connecting the inner edge of the flexible material with the dashboard.

16. The combination with a vehicle-platform, of a vestibule comprising forward sections and rear sections, the latter having an upper rigid portion, and a brace pivoted to said rigid portion for coaction with the platform.

17 The combination with a Vehicle-platform, of a vestibule comprising forward sections and rear sections, the latter having an upper rigid portion, and a telescopic brace pivoted to said rigid portion for coaction with the platform.

18. The combination with a vehicle-platform, of a vestibule comprising forward sections and rear sections, the latter having an upper rigid portion, a brace pivoted to said rigid portion for coaction with the platform, and a latch for securing the brace.

19. The combination with a vehicle-platform, of a vestibule comprising forward sec; tions and rear sections, the latter having ari upper rigid portion and a depending flexible portion, and a brace pivoted to said rigid portion for coaction with the platform.

20. The combination with a vehicle-platform, of a vestibule comprising forward sections and rear sections, the latter having an upper rigid portion, and an arm pivoted near the upper edge of said rigid portion.

21. The combination with a vehicle-platform, of a vestibule comprising forward secform having a hood, a dashboard and posts supporting the hood and dashboard, of forward vestibule-sections, one of which is provided with clamps for attachment to a post.

23. The combination with a vehicle-platform having ahood, a dashboard and posts supporting the hood and dashboard, of forward vestibule-sections, one of which is pro vided with clamps for attachment to a post, and flexible side curtains having attaching means cooperating with a portion of the clamps.

24. A folding vestibule comprising hinged rigid sections, and flexible material secured to and depending from both of said sections.

25. A folding vestibule comprising hinged sections, one of which is of variable width.

26. A folding vestibule comprising hinged sections, one of which is of variable width,

"and clamps carried by this last-named section.

27. A folding vestibule comprising hinged sections, one of which is provided with a transparent panel, a cleaning member movable over said panel, means for holding the cleaning member in coaction with the panel, and means for varying the pressure of the cleaning member.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

THOMAS A. RYAN.

Witnesses:

EDWIN H. ILERS, GEORGE A. CABLE. 

